He was granted bail on condition of residence at his home or a family member’s address in London, to have no unsupervised contact with anyone under 16 and not to directly or indirectly approach two named persons.

District Judge Goodwin told Roache: “I must warn you if you breach any of the bail conditions you will be arrested.”

Roache said: “I do understand.”

Following the brief hearing, Roache was besieged by camera crews and reporters but again made no comment as he was led into a waiting car.